Classic Christmas Sugar Cookies: Sweet, Buttery, and Perfect for the Holidays

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. If the dough is too soft to handle, add a tablespoon of milk to help it come together.
5. Chill the Dough:

Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
6. Roll Out the Dough:

After chilling, roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes (stars, trees, snowflakes, or simple rounds).
7. Bake the Cookies:

Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spaced about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles if desired. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Cool and Decorate:

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with royal icing, melted chocolate, or more sprinkles if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips